Aquarium Heater Latching Mechanism for Vertical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium accessory devices, such as thermal heaters, are difficult to reposition vertically once they are fixed to the tank wall, limiting their adjustment to changing liquid levels or optimal operational heights.
Innovation Solution
A separate supporting body with latching means, including vertically extendable latching counter-means and integral latching plates with elastic restoring force, allows for removable attachment and adjustable vertical positioning of the accessory device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the accessory device is fixed to the wall using suction cups or integral supporting means, then the device is securely attached to the aquarium wall, but the device cannot be repositioned vertically once submerged
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means is divided into two separate components: a supporting body that attaches to the wall and latching means that connects to the accessory device. This segmentation allows the supporting body to remain fixed on the wall while the accessory device can be vertically repositioned by engaging or disengaging the latching means from different positions on the supporting body.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means is designed to be movable relative to the supporting body, enabling dynamic adjustment of the accessory device vertical position. The latching means can be engaged at different heights on the supporting body's vertical extension, providing adjustable positioning while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the accessory device is made easily repositionable, then vertical adjustment is simplified, but the attachment security and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting body is pre-equipped with multiple engagement positions on its vertical extension before the accessory device is installed. The latching means is designed to snap into these pre-defined positions, allowing easy vertical adjustment without requiring complex tools or procedures, while maintaining stable attachment through the latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means incorporates elastic restoring force that automatically engages the latching means with the supporting body when brought into proximity, and automatically disengages when pulled apart. This self-actuating mechanism simplifies operation for users while ensuring reliable attachment through the elastic locking action.
3Device complexity
If the supporting means is integrated with the accessory device enclosure, then the structure is simplified, but vertical repositioning becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means is separated into a supporting body and latching means components, allowing the supporting body to be a simple structure that attaches to the wall, while the latching means provides the vertical positioning functionality. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component while enabling repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means acts as an intermediary element between the accessory device and the supporting body. It provides the vertical positioning function without requiring the supporting body itself to be complex, as the latching means can engage at different heights on the supporting body's vertical extension.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy vertical adjustment of accessory devices like thermal heaters to optimal heights, ensuring stable attachment and user-friendly operation, even for inexperienced users, while maintaining secure fixation.
Implementation Method 1
the two latching plates (10) being made of plastic material integral with said pivot (11) and said enclosure (3), under the action of an elastic restoring force which tends to force them to return in the initial position
Implementation Method 2
A particular example of an accessory device is represented by a thermal heater, whose function is to heat the liquid (water) in order to bring it to a temperature required for fish vital functions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An accessory device (1) for an aquarium is described, in particular for a thermal heater (2), which may be vertically positioned. It comprises an accessory device (2) for operation of said aquarium and supporting means (4, 5) for supporting the accessory device (2) on a wall of the aquarium tank. The supporting means (4, 5) comprise a supporting body (4) which may be attached to the aquarium wall and latching means (5, 10), which are integral with the accessory device (2) and may be removably associated with said supporting body (4). The supporting body (4) supports the latching means (5, 10) and the accessory device (2) and allows selection of vertical position of accessory device (2) with respect to supporting body (4).